Hogs Travel Without Starting Tight End

Jerry L. Reed

09/14/2006

FAYETTEVILLE —Arkansas will be without the services of starting tight end Wes Murphy for Saturday's game at Vanderbilt because of a death in the family.

"Wes Murphy's grandfather died and he's the oldest grandchild and his grandmother felt it was imperative he stay there throughout this time of their loss," said Arkansas coach Houston Nutt. "The funeral unfortunately is at 12 o'clock Saturday ... it's already set. As much as he wanted to be here, the family really wanted him there. The grandpa helped raised Wes.

"We're going to miss."

Nutt said in Murphy's absence, Mason Templeton and Andrew Davie, will be co-starters at tight end. Both will split time.

Arkansas wrapped up its preparations for its first Southeastern Conference game still with some lingering questions yet unanswered.